Monthly Archives: December 2012

A recent survey revealed that only 8% of respondents report keeping a New Year’s resolution. Since this number is based on self-report you can bet the success rate is even less. Why is this? It’s simple: people make crappy resolutions, ones that are near impossible to keep. They’re doomed from the start. So, here’s our solution. Try one or more of these resolutions. Hell, try ‘em all. We bet you can keep them if you put your mind to it.

Ten Resolutions You Can Realistically Expect to Keep:

I resolve

1. To gain weight

2. To take up or increase smoking

3. To go deeper into debt

4. To be more judgmental of people around me

5. To avoid exercise

6. To eat more salty, fatty foods

7. To drink more

8. To ignore ‘Friend’ requests

9. To settle scores and take revenge – to forgive no one

10. To unhesitatingly tell my friends what they must do to improve themselves

Well, we appreciate the overwhelming response. Zero entries. But we didn’t let that stop us. Nor did we let the snow on Thursday that made the roads icy stop us. So here is the winner: While we don’t have a prize for outstanding neighborhood or section, if we did it would have to go to the Blueberry […]

Are you naughty or nice? Cause the big guy is hanging around today. He brought the wife and enjoyed watching “Help Santa Save Christmas”, a play put on by children from the community. Congratulations to Heather, Ryan and resident Melanie Balzano for bringing together this festive day.

You know those boring, annoying annual family summaries that some people send along with their Christmas cards? Well, here’s our version all about the Emerald Lakes family, every bit as annoying, but perhaps a teensy less boring.

Merry Christmas, one and all. This is your dear cousin Emmy (as in Emerald Lakes, get it?). It’s the most wonderful time of the year and all, so I thought I would sit down and remind you of all the fun we have had this past year.

Our annual family reunion at the Pocono Mountain West High School went as well as could be expected; which is to say it was embarrassing. It started when one of the twins (who can tell them apart?) complained that having to put her ballots into two different boxes was really hard and she didn’t think that our family was smart enough to handle such stringent requirements. When we were done laughing, we got to vote, but nothing was passed. Nothing. After spending three years rewriting our bylaws so they don’t force the board to break the rules by requiring them to travel back in time each year to present a budget to the family in August that has to be passed in May, the very few folks that showed up said the new rules weren’t any good because they got cooties on them when some unsavory person touched them. Also, the extended family that can’t show up to vote weren’t there to vote that they can mail-in their votes, so the meanies that did show up made sure there won’t be mail-in votes so they’ll never be able to vote.Guess they showed who’s boss here.

There was a changing of the guard this year, with Lola Lollipop’s hubby, Bobby deciding to step away from the fighting at the table at the end of his term, and later, Red Sox Johnny C stepping down too. They were replaced by Dapper Dan G. and the talkative, but lovable, Margie F. We all look forward to seeing what kind of mark these two will leave on our fair family’s business dealings but, with the holidays, they haven’t had much of a chance to work. You know, between Labor Day and New Year’s, there is just no time to actually do anything.

There have been big doings at the Community Center this year. When the ratty carpeting became one big stain instead of hundreds of smaller stains, we finally got new tile flooring installed. There were fights, with some insisting that mold was a lovely shade for a carpet, but they got the new beige floor in just in time for the Haunted House folks to bleed all over it. They had crazy clowns chopping up bodies for the entertainment of parents who love to watch their kids pee in their pants. It’s a great service these folks provide; for the rest of the year when the kids get out of line one only has to say “the clowns won’t like that.” and the kids will walk straight and narrow without argument (although a few are still wetting the bed). Anyway, for the maybe twenty days a year when we actually have more than five people in the dining room, this floor is an investment that will probably go paying for itself indefinitely.

We were all very worried and excited when crazy Joanne found oil in the well, but after everyone in the world looked at all the wells around her place and found it nowhere else, I figure someone probably got mad at her for one of her late night, spirits-induced rants and just dumped a can of Valvoline’s finest directly into the pump. Which is a good thing, because we really don’t want all the wells around here tested. Word might get out and our property values could plummet. (I prefer bottled water anyway, don’t you?)

The fight against fun has continued throughout the year, with some of our family members taking their noise complaints to mom and dad at the board. They were mad because some people partied on Summer nights. Oooh. Partying in the Summer?We’ll put a stop to that! Since they don’t have any fun friends like that, they don’t think any of us should be allowed to have them over or laugh and dance to music. After listening to both sides, our esteemed Patriarch Al told us all that he didn’t see anything and couldn’t prove anything, so no one would be punished, but we can be sure that he will make sure the babysitters at Public Safety keep an eye on things over there. The Aunties were smirking, and I guess they are going to be looking for anything they can find to keep the noise down over there. In the meantime, Mean Old Millie (MOM) got her friends at Rules and Regs to pass a “no loitering” rule, just to make sure everyone is in bed before dark. Don’t get caught outside after dark, or you may get in big trouble! And while we’re at it, if you have something to say, you better say it here and not on a sign on your lawn, because they also passed a rule about signs. In fact, I am a little worried about my “Merry Christmas” sign. Technically, it’s against the rules, isn’t it? Oh, but wait, signs are okay if they say things that the Aunties like. It’s only bad if it personally offends them. You see, that’s the problem with the fight against fun; it’s only enforced against the family members that the older generation doesn’t like.

As for this blog, most of you know by now that crazy Uncle Buz and Lola Lollipop have been writing like crazy. MOM and Auntie Carmen got a bee in their bonnets and decided that they were talking waaaay too much about things they would rather forget and and that people were better off not knowing so, after trying enough times, they finally got a couple of the boys on the board to make a rule about the paper only telling their side of any story. Since Uncle Buz and Lola Lollipop just don’t ever know when to shut up, they decided that the board could keep its silly little paper, and they would finally step out of the dark ages and write to you all online. It seems to be working out pretty well, too, because they can talk everyday now, instead of waiting two whole months for the paper to be published.

Speaking of our little family’s online presence, let’s talk about the new website purchased with the TOPS system for more than $10,000. This little beauty is supposed to do everything. Billing, accounts, property records, newsletter, website, probably even the laundry, who knows? This amazing piece of electronic wizardry managed to … well, there is a website now. Many of us remember the good old days, when we used Cousin Leon’s website. Of course, it was free, and you get what you pay for, right? Leon’s website had lots of news and pictures, it was updated daily, and questions were answered promptly. It had an easy to read format for finding information on events, committees, and board actions. It even had contact numbers for the staff and the board. Yessir, cousin Bob did a bang-up job. So, of course, they fired him.Then they tried launching their brand new TOPS website. And the very first thing it did was publish all the names, addresses, home and work phone numbers and email addresses of every single member. Whoops. It’s been about five months since they launched the new website, and well, let’s just hope the other parts of the system work a little better than the website module. It should be working like they promised any day now.

We celebrate all the holidays here in Emerald Lakes, just not the way most families do. There’s Independence Day (no fireworks, of course, that would be fun), Veteran’s Day (there was a lovely memorial wreath put out for 5 minutes to commemorate the occasion, but it had to be taken in so it wouldn’t be stolen), and Halloween. Now on Halloween we don’t trick or treat; we trunk or treat. In theory it’s a great idea. Kids go to the Community Center parking lot and generous townfolk open their treat-filled trunks to the costumed kids. It’s supposed to be for two hours, but what happens is that the early arrivals just keep circling the lot endlessly, going back again and again and filling their greedy little bags until all the treats are gone. It generally takes about 20 minutes. And then there’s nothing left for the later arrivals. Oh well. But this year, we are doing Christmas right. Christmas caroling at the Main Entrance. (Just don’t stay too long, or you will get fined for loitering!) On December 22 from 1 to 3, Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit the Community Center and the children will perform in a play called “Help Santa Save Christmas”. You should all come so we can talk about the ones that don’t show up.

EMERALD LAKES, Pennsylvania (ELFP) The December 2012 monthly open meeting of the Emerald Lakes Board of Directors was one of the briefest in memory. Called to order at 9:40am and adjourned at 10:29, it was a masterpiece of efficiency and, believe this, courtesy. It was also sparsely attended, perhaps due to the looming and ongoing holidays of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. President Al Leslie, Vice-President Millie Bishop, Treasurer Earl Frank and Directors Dan Glasgow and Margaret Fitzgerald were present along with GM Allen Roth and the recording secretary Roxanne Chumacha. Absent were Secretary Carmen Broadnax and Director Joe Miller.

President Al Leslie reported that some irregularities with the new ad hoc committees would be corrected by the January open meeting. He then turned the meeting over to Treasurer Earl Frank who reported that reserves are now at $330,000. In other significant financial news Mr. Frank said that the Emerald Bar & Grill are $4,000 over budget, with the bulk of the shortfall in the restaurant operations. While the bar was $8,000 over in revenue, the grill fell short by $12,000, thus the $4,000 combined shortfall.

Following the treasurer’s report GM Allen Roth announced that single-stream recycling has begun. This means that all recyclables, glass, plastic, metal, cardboard, newspaper and magazines/office paper are now to be deposited in any one of five bins provided. Plastic bags used to bring the recyclables to the center are to be deposited in the nearby trash cans provided for that purpose. This new system and provider are expected to cut recycling costs by a third.

There were few committee reports but one development reported was the bifurcation of the Finance and Planning Committee. The committee has been divided into a finance subcommittee and a planning subcommittee. Beginning with the November meeting the subcommittees each meet for a period and then join for a full committee wrap-up. Appeals Committee Chairperson Paul Capozzoli reported that no appeal was upheld and that one appellant had tried to use the same excuse as used for a previous citation. His appeal was denied.

Under old business it was reported that a generator to provide emergency power to the Community Center (for full operation) would cost between 35 and 40 thousand dollars. This will be further discussed. Vice-President Bishop feels strongly that this is necessary, while Director Margaret Fitzgerald expressed doubts because of the high cost. The board appears divided on the issue at this time. There was also a no-decision on the main entrance LED sign estimated at $7,100 by the GM. There was also discussion requiring the ongoing effort to acquire the property containing part of the Mountaintop Lake Dam. It is non-buildable property and the owner is currently asking $47,500, deemed excessive by the GM.

Under new business the board passed a fee structure for rental property owners to reflect increasing operating costs. The resolution:

NOW BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Directors changes the Association membership fees and member intent to rent fee to the following:

– Yearly amenities fee to $200/year

– Monthly fee for both amenities & compactor to $50 or $25.00 for amenities only or compactor only

– Daily fee of $5.00/person for amenities only and $15.00/person for 3-7days

– Member intent to rent fee of $25.00 for every rental period.

This resolution was passed unanimously.

The board also affirmed the Game Room Policy of no alcoholic beverages allowed in the Game Room. There was some discussion on whether this was consistent with the policy of alcoholic beverages being allowed in the main restaurant room and the bingo room. If the intent was of the policy was to prevent unattended drinks to be consumed by underage drinkers, it was argued, then all areas outside the bar should be treated the same. This argument was rejected by the board.

AUKWARDLAND, New Zealand (FNS) International restaurant chain “Hog Wild” has announced plans to expand to the United States. Currently operating over 350 “Sties” as the restaurants are called by ownership, the first to open in the U.S. will be in Belcher’s Flats, Alabama. Says founder and CEO Phil deBelli, “We are so very excited. Our menu was made for America. For instance, you got our Gut-Bustin’ Burger, a full pound of ground meat product on a potato pancake, topped with American, cheddar and Monterey jack cheese, four strips of thick slab bacon, battered, deep fried onion crispies and our special sauce – it’s like Thousand Island dressing on steroids – and all served on a sourdough bun. Is that a sandwich for America or what? Then we got our smoked, maple-glazed pork medallions with cracklins’ – that’s deep fried, crispy pork fat – plated with cheese-topped French fries and our giant, butter-rich cheddar biscuits. Yum, yum. Of course, we’ll have our signature Trough O’ Plenty, an all you can scarf out of our barbecue chopped meat combination, and all the garlic butter bread you can eat. Just slap on the bib, stick your face in and chow down ‘til your heart’s content. It’s a little sloppy, but folks love it.”

Director of Operations Lhoda Bloney added, “We’re all about health and safety. Every Hog Wild restaurant has an EMT bus and two trained attendants standing by at all times. They know CPR and all that stuff. We don’t want anybody getting too sick on us. Sometimes people get to overdoing it a little. We’re ready for that.”

According to a sample menu passed out at the press conference, desserts are ‘big’ at Hog Wild as well. Entries include the Pig Out Pie Plate that starts with deep dish apple pie topped with a generous scoop of ice cream, chopped walnuts and whipped cream. The “Go Hog Wild Banana Split” features three softball-sized scoops of ice cream on a bed of overripe bananas with chocolate, strawberry and pineapple sauces, whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles and a red and green maraschino cherry for toppers. It’s rated at a whopping 4,375 calories.

Restaurant critic Stu Potts just shakes his head. “This is simply a cholesterol distribution point. You can gain weight reading the menu. And there’s enough sodium in the entrees to raise the blood pressure of Peoria, Illinois by 50 points. I think all Hog Wild restaurants should be built next to infirmaries.”

A long day of Christmas shopping and a cold, gray and wet day had us craving some good music and a cozy place to relax

Long Time Comin’ (and friends) performing at the Speakeasy Lounge

with friends. We rolled into the Speakeasy only minutes after the featured band, Long Time Comin’, had begun their first set. There was a nice crowd, and we joined Scott and Maria at the last available table by the bar as the band launched into “Mustang Sally”.

A mix of regulars and tourists filled the room, along with a number of ELA residents. Our neighbor Ron was there, with some friends from New York, out for a weekend of hunting. Mark and Meredith Mecca showed up, ready for some fun and, lucky for us, Mark brought along his saxophone. The Meccas are ELA members of over a decade. Mark usually plays with the Cove Haven house band Something Else, but on this night, to everyone’s delight, Read the rest of this entry →

BREAKING WIND, Colorado (FNS) It appears that at long last, atheists will have their first holiday. The
Atheist Coalition of Everywhere(ACE) has decreed December 27th as their first annual holiday. Coalition spokesperson Agnes Ticke explained, “We’re sick and tired of being the only people without holidays. Christians, Jews, Muslims, what have you, they all have them. There’s Christmas and Easter, Hanukkah and Passover, Ramadan, Festivus, and on and on. What have we got? Bupkis, that’s what. Until now. We are officially declaring December 27th 2012 as the first Big Atheist Holiday, or BAH. Maybe we’ll get a better name later. First things first. Our colors for the holiday will be the rainbow. Why not? Christmas is red and green. Hanukkah is blue and white. We’re all the colors. Also, the tradition of giving expensive presents begins immediately. Never mind ‘it’s the thought that counts.’ That one came from the cheapskates. Have expensive thoughts. And we’ll be writing songs about how good it is to be alive, because dead is nowhere.”

At an informal reception following the announcement ACE Vice President Alby Darnd told reporters that there will be other holidays coming. “We need something for the Spring to counteract Easter and Passover. I need to look up Christopher Hitchens’ birthday. Maybe we could celebrate that.”

We have announced a Holiday Lights contest and given you the rules, which are pretty much no rules except you have to enter. Obviously this was too much. So let’s try again.

We are having a Christmas/Holiday Lights contest with a real prize for the winner (who will be whoever Buz and I think has the coolest display.) If you do enter (and there is still time!) you can be sure we’ll include you in the judging. But, because of the underwhelming response (exactly no entries), we’re changing the one rule. (We can do that because this is our contest) Here it is:

You don’t have to enter.

Now, isn’t that easy enough? So, by unpopular demand, no effort whatsoever on your part is necessary. One night close to 12/25 we’ll cruise around and pick out our idea of the best. If we miss your house, that’s on you. You could’ve entered.

A child is like a butterfly in the wind. Some can fly higher than others, but each one flies the best it can. Why compare one against the other? Each one is different. Each one is special. Each one is beautiful.